Aprea Therapeutics partners with MD Anderson for cancer study

Published 11/03/2025, 13:38
Aprea Therapeutics partners with MD Anderson for cancer study

DOYLESTOWN, Pa. - Aprea Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:APRE), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company with a market capitalization of $12.1 million and strong liquidity position, announced today a collaboration with MD Anderson Cancer Center to advance preclinical research on a potential new cancer treatment. According to InvestingPro data, the company maintains more cash than debt on its balance sheet, with a healthy current ratio of 7.28. The Material Transfer Agreement will allow MD Anderson researchers to study Aprea’s WEE1 kinase inhibitor, APR-1051, focusing on its effects on head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). While the stock has experienced significant volatility, trading near its 52-week low of $2.15, analysts remain optimistic about the company’s prospects, with revenue growth forecast for the current year. Discover more market insights with InvestingPro, which offers 12 additional exclusive tips for APRE.

Under the terms of the agreement, MD Anderson will conduct preclinical experiments to evaluate the efficacy of APR-1051, especially when combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors, in treating HNSCC with genomic markers of replication stress. This research aims to support future clinical trials and treatment strategies for both HPV-positive and HPV-negative HNSCC.

The collaboration will be led by Professors Jeffrey N. Myers and Abdullah A. Osman from MD Anderson’s Department of Head and Neck Surgery. Their previous work suggests that WEE1 kinase inhibition could be a promising therapeutic approach for HNSCC, a type of cancer that affects thousands annually in the U.S., with a significant portion linked to HPV infection.

APR-1051 is described as a potent and selective small molecule designed to improve tolerance and potentially offer greater clinical activity compared to similar treatments in development. Aprea retains all rights to APR-1051, which is also being evaluated in a Phase 1 clinical trial for advanced solid tumors with cancer-associated gene alterations.

Aprea Therapeutics is focused on developing treatments that exploit cancer cell vulnerabilities while minimizing harm to healthy cells. Its lead programs include APR-1051 and ATRN-119, both targeting solid tumor indications. The company’s approach aims to offer a broader application across various cancers, including ovarian, colorectal, prostate, and breast cancers.

The information for this article is based on a press release statement from Aprea Therapeutics. Based on InvestingPro Fair Value analysis, the stock currently appears undervalued despite recent market challenges, including a one-year price decline of 67%. The company’s next earnings report is expected on March 28, which could provide further insights into its development progress and financial health.

In other recent news, Aprea Therapeutics announced updates to its patent portfolio, emphasizing the importance of intellectual property in advancing its oncology treatments. The company’s ATR inhibitor program, led by ATRN-119, is supported by a robust patent estate, including several granted patents in the U.S. and internationally. These patents are expected to expire between 2035 and 2037, with potential extensions into 2044. Additionally, Aprea’s WEE1 kinase inhibitor program, featuring APR-1051, is undergoing a Phase 1 clinical trial and could see patent protection until 2043. In related developments, H.C. Wainwright reaffirmed its Buy rating for Aprea Therapeutics, citing confidence in the company’s clinical pipeline and projected milestones. The firm highlighted Aprea’s focus on advancing its precision oncology programs, APR-1051 and ATRN-119, for treating solid tumors. Aprea is actively enrolling patients in its clinical trials, with no hematologic toxicity reported for its lead compounds. The company anticipates having sufficient cash reserves to support operations through the next year.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

Latest comments

Risk Disclosure: Trading in financial instruments and/or cryptocurrencies involves high risks including the risk of losing some, or all, of your investment amount, and may not be suitable for all investors. Prices of cryptocurrencies are extremely volatile and may be affected by external factors such as financial, regulatory or political events. Trading on margin increases the financial risks.
Before deciding to trade in financial instrument or cryptocurrencies you should be fully informed of the risks and costs associated with trading the financial markets, carefully consider your investment objectives, level of experience, and risk appetite, and seek professional advice where needed.
Fusion Media would like to remind you that the data contained in this website is not necessarily real-time nor accurate. The data and prices on the website are not necessarily provided by any market or exchange, but may be provided by market makers, and so prices may not be accurate and may differ from the actual price at any given market, meaning prices are indicative and not appropriate for trading purposes. Fusion Media and any provider of the data contained in this website will not accept liability for any loss or damage as a result of your trading, or your reliance on the information contained within this website.
It is prohibited to use, store, reproduce, display, modify, transmit or distribute the data contained in this website without the explicit prior written permission of Fusion Media and/or the data provider. All intellectual property rights are reserved by the providers and/or the exchange providing the data contained in this website.
Fusion Media may be compensated by the advertisers that appear on the website, based on your interaction with the advertisements or advertisers
© 2007-2025 - Fusion Media Limited. All Rights Reserved.